2012 Buick LaCrosse Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 64 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 31% of its 206 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 66,000. A related recall (13V173000) covers the generator control module on eAssist models.
- Electrical System complaints
- 64
- 31% of 206
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 66,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, including one case where the driver lost control and hit a curb at 45 mph.
- Some owners describe smoke and fire coming from under the hood shortly after noticing a burning smell.
- Several report the generator or generator control module failing, triggering check engine lights and multiple diagnostic codes, consistent with recall 13V173000 on eAssist-equipped cars.
- Owners describe the vehicle failing to start after sitting, with interior and exterior lights flashing on their own, remote entry not working, and the trunk popping open unprompted.
- Some report the radio/navigation screen going black along with disabled OnStar and emergency buttons, sometimes recurring after the radio was replaced.
- A few describe gradual battery drain leading to no-start conditions along with illuminated malfunction indicator lights.
When 2012 Buick LaCrosse electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 22, 2011, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
- NHTSA 13V173000May 6, 2013Electrical System42,904 vehicles
Electrical system
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Electrical System complaints by LaCrosse model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse?
- NHTSA lists 64 electrical system complaints for the 2012 LaCrosse, which is 31% of the 206 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 13V173000, reported May 6, 2013, covers a generator control module condition on eAssist-equipped 2012 and 2013 LaCrosse and Regal models and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. GM dealers test and replace the module as needed.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2012 LaCrosse?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2012 LaCrosse is 66,000 miles.
- Have electrical problems caused crashes or fires in the 2012 LaCrosse?
- NHTSA data tied to this component lists 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury for the 2012 LaCrosse.